Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment Shortage

• • Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Bausch Health, 0.5%, 1 gram tube, 50 count, NDC 24208-0910-19
  • Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Bausch Health, 0.5%, 3.5 gram tube, 1 count, NDC 24208-0910-55
  • Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Fera Pharmaceuticals, 5 mg/gram, 1 gram tube, NDC 48102-057-11

• • Akorn has ceased operation in February 2023.
  • Bausch Health has erythromycin ophthalmic ointment on shortage due to increased demand.
  • Padagis discontinued erythromycin ophthalmic ointment in August 2023.
  • Armas has erythromycin ophthalmic ointment available.

• • Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Armas Pharmaceuticals, 0.5%, 1 gram tube, 50 count, NDC 72485-0670-31
  • Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, Armas Pharmaceuticals, 0.5%, 3.5 gram tube, 1 count, NDC 72485-0670-35

Estimated Resupply Dates

• • Bausch Health has 0.5% erythromycin 1 gram unit-dose presentations and 3.5 gram tubes on back order and the company estimates a release date of late-May 2024 for the 1 gram size and mid- to late-June 2024 for the 3.5 gram tubes.
  • Fera Pharmaceuticals has limited supply of the imported product.

Alternative Agents & Management

• • FDA is allowing Steri-Med to temporarily import erythromycin ointment from Fera Pharmaceuticals. This product is made in Canada. A Dear Healthcare Provider letter is available at https://www.fda.gov/media/173348/download.
  • CDC recommends ceftriaxone given intravenously or intramuscularly as an alternative during this shortage. More details can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/stiapp/gonorrhea_neonates.html